Need a break, you think when? It happens when the Founder, Sallie Fraenkel of Mind Body & Spirit Network plans an event at the renown Sphatika Spa in NYC; with an invite to you…YOU GO!

I graciously accepted and upon arrival to Manhattan; surprisingly I’d quickly found a parking spot on Madison Ave @ 70th Street! The honking of car horns, people rushing to go home hustle and construction bangs in the background is clearly at its best; even if its only 6PM. Choosing to ignore it all; I walked quickly to 69th Street looking for 818! I felt like I discovered a hidden door; opening to a beautiful Art Déco designed building.

3 flights up and upon ringing the bell; the door opens to be greeted by a smiling staff and Sallie Fraenkel just thrilled to see you. The aroma of lavender in the air sets the mood with instruction to remove your high heels and change to bedazzling slippers.

Janet League-Katzin, Founder & Director of Sphakita Spa NYC

The highlight of the evening was meeting the Founder and Director, Janet League-Katzin and hearing the inspiration of how Sphakita Spa was born.

A beautiful and soft spoken woman; with such a regal presence. Janet League -Katzin shared how she met Sallie Fraenkel and how their friendship is so special.

Janet League-Katzin and Sallie Fraenkel, Founder of MBSN

She expressed how important it is to take the time to relax and allow the body to recharge. Being run down interrupts the body in reproducing its cells; by simply changing your approach can increase your wellness. Crystals were also talked about and could be found all throughout the spa. Their energy can help balance the body and could definitely be felt; everyone easily unwind. Sphatika Spa is the place to come to; where Janet’s overall goal is to treat each client special.

The treat was to have a 15 minute facial, access to organic, gluten-free munchies, Sphatika superfoods and a selection of delightful beverages and healthy coconut ice cream sodas to take your pick. All the women were so thrilled!

The lively conversations were found in all the rooms, each guest anxiously awaiting their turn to have a Sphakita Spa facial. When called, I was so excited!!!! The 15 minute facial was divine; ending with a rose oil massage with hints of crystals. My face was soft and had a radiant glow!

As the evening was ending, we received a heartfelt “Thank You” where we were presented with a Sphakita Spa gift bag and no return of the bedazzled slippers provided when our lovely evening started. “Are we going to see you again?” asks Janet. My reply, Yes; because I deserve it!

Whether or not you can attend Sphakita Spa; the suggestion is to take the time at least once a month to take a break and allow your body to relax and recharge. You deserve it!

My Sphakita Spa Gift Bag

Letia 🙂

Janet League-Katzin an award-winning actress; best known for The Guilding Light, Another World and The Spook Who Sat By The Door.

The treatments of the Royal Sphatika Spa and the Sphatika 100 % Natural Skincare Line were created to provide what she found to be missing in the course of her search. The result is an extraordinary holistic treatment methodology and product line that delivers the next level in the evolving spa experience. Sphatika Spa is located at 818 Madison Ave NYC.

Breast cancer is an illness! It should not be used to define a woman’s body and spirit!! The two words are absolutely terrifying to hear!

Some woman are so afraid to talk about it and because of this fear; October has been designated as Breast Cancer Awareness month to make it easier, educate, support and take care of ourselves better! There is nothing more beautiful, than being a breast cancer survivor!

To begin a conversation with a family member or friend, here are a few Breast 1 on 1 tips:

Get properly fitted for a bra, every six months. The right cup size is important.

Your breast should have supple skin. Any area that swollen, thickened or inflamed – please see your doctor for a breast examination.

Self breast examinations should be performed a week after your period ends.

Schedule your appointments to see a your gynecologist and internal medicine physician, six months apart. This will allow a clinical breast exam every six months. Remember a breast examination should be performed, if not.. ask for it!

Obesity amongst woman is high and the risks of breast cancer are increased, due to the tumors may be harder to feel. So this an incentive to begin shedding some pounds and scheduling annual mammograms to be more proactive.

Don’t skip your mammogram this year! Yes.. self breast examinations should be performed, DO NOT STOP. A mammogram should be scheduled every year.

When performing your monthly self breast examination, if you feel something different; don’t ignore it. Yes, fear sets in, push back the panic and get checked out! It may be benign, fibrocystic due to hormonal changes – a professional exam should be scheduled because every lump should be evaluated.

If you have a bloody, pink or brown discharge from the breast, see your doctor immediately.

If you are called back for a second mammogram, GO! It may be a scar tissue or a calcification which showed on the film!

If a lump is detected, know your options. Women often automatically opt for a mastectomy. A less invasive surgery or avoid surgery altogether if a cancerous tumor shrinks presurgery via chemotherapy called the neoadjuvant treatment. It’s possible to change a mastectomy to lumpectomy if the treatment is successful.

Breast reconstruction is an option too, don’t assume that is only for the rich and famous, a luxury item beyond budget. It is not considered cosmetic surgery, it’s restoration of a woman as close to her precancerous as possible; not just to remove the cancer. There are health insurance benefits who will cover, a check with your provider to ask these important questions, including the percentage that will be covered for the surgery.

Remember…You always have the option to push for a second opinions or discuss reconstruction options when initially diagnosed.

Often a breast cancer patient refuses to let family members or close friends know they have cancer. It is very important that support is provided and with all the visits, treatments and psychological emotions which will occur, the patient should not go through it alone.

For additional information on Breast Cancer Awareness and a slew of information, please click the icon to be brought to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® site!

I had shared this with my friends a few weeks ago and thought I would share it with my readers!

Being a woman is like connecting the dots, repeating everyday!

In trying to do so, we take on so much and never somehow think we have a moment to breathe!

We have so many titles, we’re multi-taskers and then somehow we are still able to take that one phone call at 1 AM – because you care and would want that person to do it for you one day!

The usual, I was running here and running there – simply exhausted! I looked behind me and found that no one was chasing me! Then, I had to stop and take that breather! I started back my daily meditation and taking 20 minutes to do it!

I GET IT! So I am working on it, owning it and making a contribution —–> ME! How I’m doing? Well, I feel great and guess what? You can take time for yourself also!

I am putting this note here “NOTE TO SELF” and give a reminder for YOU (guys and gals) to do the same!*

“Me” time is available daily, monthly, even 12 times a year by YOU!! You can subscribe to yourself and upon receipt…… you can undertake a fulfillment that the order placed; will make you ultimately feel better, be better and look better!

Like this:

The Red Dress®, the centerpiece of The Heart Truth®, is a red alert that inspires women to take action to protect their heart health. The primary message driving The Heart Truth campaign is: “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear—It’s the #1 Killer of Women.

February 1st is the 10th anniversary of National Wear Red Day to raise awareness about Heart Disease. Every year, more women are killed by heart disease than all cancers combined! Each year, on the first Friday in February, millions of women and men come together to wear red, take action and commit to fighting this deadly disease.